The Alpha

The story of a wolf pack, told from the prespective of the Alpha wolf, Gray Wind.

Submitted:Dec 7, 2012
Reads: 36
Comments: 2
Likes: 2

The Alpha

The wind howls and the snow seems to come down at an angle.Its
being whipped against the tall bare trees and covering my tracks
within seconds of me making them. I move silently, slowly; eyes
peering forward. I am aware of every movement in the snow covered
forest surrounding me. Every scent is analyzed and every sound
listened to intently.

My name is Gray Wind. I am the leader of a proud pack of Timber
Wolves. This is the story of the last hunt for me before a new
Alpha is chosen.

I crouch down, hunger pangs in my belly; as I look for food. My
ears listening for any small sound that will alert me that an
animal is nearbyWe will feast this night. I have led the pack for
years and although I have taken pride in my role; my age is
beginning to make me slower and I know the others have noticed.

My pack follows closely behind me. I am the alpha wolf, the
leader that is counted on for finding the prey that we will chase
down to keep us all alive through this dismal season. If I fail
them today, we may all die soon.

This storm has lasted for days. We are getting desperate to fill
our bellies. It was weeks ago that we brought down a deer. The
eight of us made short order of the meat. Now, it's my job to
make sure we eat again.

As the Alpha, I am always expected to eat first. This day with my
mate and the rest of the pack growing thinner ; their ribs
showing through their gray fur, I will stand aside and allow them
to go before me. I know what my decision will mean; but I am
willing to make that sacrifice for my pack.

Suddenly I hear the crack of a branch being stepped on. I catch
the scent and we are off and running through the deep snow. Deep
into the forest we catch up to the male buck. I lunge for the
throat while my pack grab the deer by the shanks and attempt to
pull him to the ground.

The large buck will not give up easily. He lowers his antlers in
defense and comes at me. All the while, it is kicking his back
legs at the two wolves behind him. The deer is snorting and
fighting for its life; but we are hungry; too hungry to give up
now. The rest of the pack joins in now; biting the deer from
every side.

The pack has tasted blood. It drives them insane as they bite and
clamp their fangs into the flesh of the big buck. I go for the
throat again.The deer's antler is used as a weapon against me. I
back off. I wait until it raises its head; in an instant I have
his throat in my mouth. I rip and twist at it until I hear the
crack of its neck and it stumbles; before falling to the ground.
I can see the last bit of breath being expelled from it mouth; as
the warmth of it meets the cold air.

The pack is anxious to begin feasting. They look to me first. I
turn my back; telling them I will not be first to taste the deer
this time. They rip into the deer and feed greedily. I watch from
nearby.

After their bellies are bloated and full; I approach to eat what
they have left. It isn't much, but I am content to eat the meager
amount of meat left on the carcass; knowing they will survive.

My own body has grown weaker. I know that soon it will be time
for one of the males in the pack to challenge for the alpha
position. It is the way of nature. I did the same when I won the
role more than five years ago.

By relinquishing the order of the eating of the deer; I have
signaled weakness to the males. There was wisdom in my act; but
they do not know this. Only time and experience the new leader
will gain will teach him that survival of the pack is the most
important role he has.

The deer's antler plunged into my neck during the take down and
has done grave damage to me. My time is growing short. My mate,
White Star, lies next to me licking at my wound. She knows. She
howls loudly, shattering the night's silence as she mourns my
condition.

I survived the night, but as the sun rises over the forest; I
hear the growling of the males. I know the challenge is
beginning. My rein is over. My life as their leader has come to
an end. The winner will be the strongest and the most fleet of
foot. I am glad they will go one without me, with a worthy
leader.

I see one last breath leave my mouth as the warmth of it meets
the cold morning air. I close my eyes.

After the challenge for Alpha is over, the new leader gathers the
others around the body of their past leader. He howls; and the
rest join him in a tribute to the fallen one; and a welcome to
the new Alpha, Swift Hunter.

Their howls echo through the forest. In the wild, life of the
fittest is the rule that governs all creatures. This day the
strongest will lead his pack for another kill. They will survive
the winter and new pups will be born in the spring. This scene
will replay again and again, completing the circle of life. That
is the way of Nature.